Box Score MADISON, N.J. (Oct. 14, 2014) – With four games remaining in the regular season, the Drew University men's soccer team passed a tough litmus test on Tuesday evening at Ranger Stadium, going toe-to-toe with No. 10 Amherst College and eventually falling in a hard-fought 1-0 decision.
 
The Lord Jeffs (10-0-2) netted the lone goal of the match in the 19^th minute, but had plenty of defending to do as the Rangers (6-4-5) fought for the equalizer right up until the 90^th minute. Amherst outshot Drew 15-9 in what became an increasingly chippy contest with 35 fouls called.
 
"We responded well by matching their intensity," said head coach Lenny Armuth. "We saw tonight what the next level is all about and what kind of speed and athleticism it takes to be a top 10 team in the country. We stepped it up tonight and it's the perfect way to go into these last four conference games."
 
The four remaining games are all within the Landmark Conference, and with a 2-1-1 record and a current fifth place standing, the Rangers hope to carry that intensity into the final stretch.
 
Shots by senior defender Michael Pezzuti and junior midfielder Matt Sommer required outstanding saves by Amherst goalkeeper Thomas Bull, who finished his clean sheet with three total saves.
 
The physically grueling contest opened with battles for possession in the midfield and Amherst quickly showed its blinding speed on the attack with a few fast breaks. The Drew defense and senior goalkeeper Michael Reyes held strong as both sides adjusted to the brutal pace of the game.
 
The Jeffs gained the upper hand in the 19^th minute when a cross served from the baseline scooted across the goalmouth and past Reyes to an open Amherst forward. Christopher Martin buried the chance for his fourth goal of the season and the 1-0 lead.
 
Pezzuti led the charge forward as the Rangers persistence in their attacking third of the field drew multiple fouls, corner kicks and free kick opportunities. Pezzuti's free kick in the 32^nd minute was stationed just outside of the Jeffs' 18-yard box and the senior shot to the right of the defensive wall with an eye for goal, but Bull laid out to maintain Amherst's 1-0 lead.
 
Drew's pressure continued into the second half and by game's end, the Rangers held an 8-5 advantage in corner kicks.
 
Sommer's chance came in the 64^th minute when he found a loose ball at his foot inside the Jeffs' 18-yard box. He curling shot was destined for the right side netting, but again a quick-witted Bull stuck out a gloved hand for the save.
 
The loss was Drew's first this season at home and Amherst continued its regular season unbeaten streak dating back to Oct. 26, 2011.
 
The Rangers return to action on Saturday, Oct. 18 with a trip to Goucher College (2-2 Landmark) at 1:00 p.m. in a crucial conference game.